I've been wanting to start investing for quite some time now, and after about 6 months of researching, reading, learning, listening, and thinking, the time has come. I was all ready to roll with Scottrade until I realized that Dec. 31st is quickly approaching and I have no idea what effect that will have on my future first investment.

That first investment will be in the form of an index fund held in a Roth IRA account. Do I need to / Should I wait until after Jan 1 to make this purchase? What are the tax implications of investing prior to / after the new year.